When it comes to unwelcome guests, brown banded cockroaches top the list.
Discover their habits, habitats, and how to keep them at bay in our latest blog post.
Brown-Banded Cockroaches – What Are They?
Brown-banded cockroaches are a common variety of roach, petite in size and reaching only up to half an inch.
While their sudden flight can be startling, be grateful they aren’t the massive eight-inch Megaloblatta longipennis found in places like Peru, Ecuador, and Panama.
Appearance of Brown-Banded Cockroaches
The brown-banded cockroach, true to its name, sports noticeable tan bands across its reddish-brown body, making them a kind of cockroach with stripes. These bands are most prominent in younger roaches and tend to fade as they grow older.
Like many of their roach relatives, they possess a sturdy exoskeleton, granting them durability and resilience.
A distinguishing feature is their wings. Males have longer wings, sometimes concealing their distinctive banding, enabling them to fly.
In contrast, females have shorter, underdeveloped wings. However, both can hop when startled!
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Habitat of Brown-Banded Cockroaches
Brown-banded cockroaches are quite the travelers! They’ve set up shop across North America, especially favoring the southern regions, the midwest, and certain parts of the northeastern U.S.
While many roach species opt for milder climates, these particular pests enjoy it a tad warmer, flourishing best around a cozy 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Unlike their cousin, the German cockroach, which likes to hang out low and close to food and water sources, the brown-banded roach has a knack for heights.
So, if you chance upon a roach perched on a bookshelf or lurking behind your wall decor, it’s probably one of these high-climbing critters, as this habit is pretty unique to them.
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Lifespan of Brown-Banded Cockroaches
Brown-banded cockroaches have a lifespan of about 6-8 months. Though this might seem short, don’t be fooled!
They are among the top reproducers in the roach world.
Inside each egg case of a brown-banded cockroach, you’ll find an average of 18 eggs. So, just a pair of these critters can swiftly multiply into a full-blown infestation.
Diet of Brown-Banded Cockroaches
Brown-banded cockroaches aren’t picky eaters. They’re omnivores, which means they’ll munch on just about any food they stumble upon in your home.
They have a particular fondness for starchy items, like the bindings of books, stamps, or even the glue on your wallpaper.
Being opportunistic feeders, they’ll take advantage of any accessible food.
This is why it’s crucial to keep surfaces such as countertops, stovetops, floors, and sinks free from leftover food, dirty dishes, and accidental spills.
A sink piled with unwashed dishes? That’s like a gourmet feast for these critters. Likewise, they won’t hesitate to sip on spilled liquids or nibble on unsealed food.
Are brown banded cockroaches bad?
Brown-banded cockroaches aren’t just a nuisance; they can also be carriers of diseases. As they scuttle about, they gather bacteria on their legs, which can then be transferred to dishes, utensils, and food.
If we end up ingesting these contaminants, it might lead to digestive issues. Moreover, be wary of the skins they shed and their droppings.
Even for the healthiest among us, these can stir up allergies or even instigate them.
What Attracts Brown-Banded Cockroaches?
What lures a brown-banded cockroach into our spaces is quite simple: they seek food, comfort, and moisture.
These critters love warmth, which explains why they’re often found in homes and buildings with controlled temperatures and aren’t as fond of the
colder outdoors. Their appetite is broad, and they’re happy munching on just about any organic matter.
This means areas like your kitchen cabinets, the shelves in a warm garage, the storage in your laundry room, and pantries with food or linens are their top picks.
Do Brown-Banded Cockroaches Cause Infestations?
Indeed, brown-banded cockroaches are notorious home invaders. They rank among the trickiest cockroach species to get rid of.
These clever critters can sneak into narrow boxes and easily penetrate loose or unsealed bags, swiftly spreading contamination to food and other items.
With their rapid breeding, an infestation can escalate before you even realize it. Given their tenacity, it’s often wise to rope in a professional pest control service for effective handling.
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Why Are Brown-Banded Cockroaches in My House?
Brown-banded cockroaches might wander into your home simply because they found an inviting spot with food and shelter.
However, one of the most frequent ways they settle in is through items that are already infested, which you might unknowingly bring inside. This can include things like furniture, groceries, and even electronics.
If you’re into thrift shopping or collecting antiques, it’s crucial to inspect each item closely for any sign of these pesky invaders before introducing them to your space.
Pay attention to the groceries you pick up, steering clear of items with any tears, rips, or unsealed parts.
Should you spot any of these red flags, it’s best to dispose of the item right away, preferably in a sealed bag and away from your living space.
How to get rid of brown banded cockroaches
Their petite stature allows brown-banded roaches to hide in nooks and crannies, eluding their bigger counterparts.
This makes them crafty hiders, often eluding extermination attempts. If you’re feeling there might be a cockroach presence but aren’t entirely sure, setting up a baited trap in your living space for a week can give you some insights.
Should you verify that these nimble invaders are present, it’s essential to act swiftly to halt the infestation’s growth.
While there are chemicals effective against roaches, only a handful are accessible to everyday folks. For a comprehensive approach, involving a professional pest control service is a smart move.
They’re skilled in trap placement, equipped with potent pesticides, and will meticulously inspect your home to craft a tailored pest defense strategy.
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Conclusion
Navigating the world of brown banded cockroaches might seem challenging at first, but with the right information, you can confidently tackle these pesky intruders.
As we’ve explored, understanding their habits is the first step to keeping them at bay. We hope this blog has been enlightening for you.
Do you have a personal roach tale to tell? We’d love to hear it! And remember, Pestweek offers even more insights on various pests, so be sure to dive into our other blogs.
Calina Mabel has over 15 years of experience in the field of journalism and communications. Currently, Calina Mabel is the Content Writer for categories such as Cockroach, Ants, Bed Bugs, Mosquito, Rodent, Termite, and Flies on Pestweek.com. She aims to build content for these categories with a focus on providing valuable and accessible information to readers, in order to create the world’s largest knowledge community about Pests.
All content written by Calina Mabel has been reviewed by Emily Carter.